South Island residents can walk for awareness and funds for those in need with three different Coldest Night of the Year events in Victoria, West Shore and Sooke.
On Feb. 24, thousands take to the streets for the Coldest Night of the Year, a family-friendly walk that boosts awareness and raises money for charities that support people who are hungry and homeless.
The Victoria and West Shore walks raise funds for Our Place and also offers a glimpse at what people people without homes undergo each night.
READ ALSO: Coldest Night of the Year walk fights Sooke homelessness
“Sadly, we are continuing to see more people falling through the cracks and spending their nights on cold, damp streets,” executive director Julian Daly said in a news release. “And the community is asking what they can do to help. This walkathon is one of those ways.”
About 800 people raised more than $175,000 with the Victoria and West Shore walks last year.
The Sooke Shelter Society hosts a loop walk starting and finishing at Evergreen Centre.
Hosted by Our Place Society Westshore and Pacific Centre Family Services Assn. the West Shore walk starts at 1089 Langford Pkwy. The Victoria walk starts at 1027 Pandora Ave.
READ ALSO: Victoria’s unhoused community battles cold weather
The walk take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 with check in starting at 4 p.m. and the walk at 5.
Those interested, but unable to attend an event can also register, fundraise and walk offsite.
Those who raise more than $150 receive a Coldest Night Of the Year toque as a thank you, on event day, while supplies last.
Register at www.cnoy.org.
READ ALSO: B.C. journalist spends coldest night of the year with the homeless